Chapter 43

I'm late.

While waiting in the reception room, the door opened after a knock.

A man in simple but expensive clothing, probably around 50 years old, entered. His white hair suited him well, and he seemed to be a distinguished middle-aged man. Could this be the Chancellor?

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I am Garius von Feeral, the Chancellor of this country. I have been granted the title of Marquis. I am truly grateful for saving our country from this crisis."

Indeed, he seems to be the Chancellor. He also appears to be a very capable person. To be honest, it's hard to believe that a child like me could have defeated a powerful monster.

...Perhaps he thinks the same internally, but he doesn't show it at all, which is commendable.

I thought there were few decent nobles, but if the Chancellor is such a capable person, things should be stable for a while.

"I am Aul, from a farming family in Oren Village. It is a great honor to be invited to the royal castle. However, as a commoner, my speech may be lacking, so please forgive me. Also, there's no need for you to use such polite language."

Since he is being so sincere, I should respond appropriately to avoid being rude.

...Well, whether I can speak well is another matter...

"Oh, then I'll take you up on that. Besides, you speak so well that I'm relieved. ...By the way, can you introduce the young ladies over there?"

Ah, I forgot to introduce them. I must be more nervous than I thought.

"I apologize for the delay. From right to left, they are Luna and Yomi. ...They are technically my slaves, but will there be any problem during the audience?"

"Hmm, these young ladies... I've heard about them. They were heroes in the stampede. I am deeply grateful to you all. Thank you very much. There should be no problem with them entering the audience chamber. After all, they are heroes who saved this country."

"No, we were just protecting our master."

"Hehe, I see. Then I must show my gratitude to Aul! These two, despite being slaves, also deserve my thanks. They are truly patriotic. Although they have status, they don't need to bow to us."

...If all nobles were like this, it would be great.

"Anyway, since the introductions are done and we don't have much time, can we discuss the plans for the future and proper etiquette?"

"Yes, please do."

"Please do."

First, the plans for the future. It seems we will be taken to the audience chamber where the king is in about an hour.

There, we will review the details of the recent incident and receive our rewards.

We will be asked what rewards we want, but I learned that the proper response is "As the king wishes."

...Well, it's hard to ask a king for specific things.

You can say it, but it's not interesting to stand out in such a place.

If the third princess were younger, she could be bribed with sweets...

Also, a grand party will be held the day after the audience. We are to attend as the main heroes, and we will stay overnight after the audience.

The Chancellor also shared some interesting stories.

"By the way, five days ago, Orentz and Ilria from the Second Knight Regiment came to see me. Why were they chosen to come to me?"

"Orentz and Ilria? ...Hehe, the king is quite devious. They are the commander and deputy commander of the Second Knight Regiment. They were probably sent by the king to assess you. That's my guess, but the king is like that."

Seriously?! I didn't expect such important people to come.

"Those were such important people... I was surprised when Orentz sent me a killing intent, but it seems they were just observing me. I was a bit confused by the sudden visit, but now I understand."

"Killing intent?! That's not something the commander of the Second Knight Regiment should do. ...The Second Knight Regiment is powerful, but it has many eccentric members. I often have to deal with them. Also, recently... Oh, sorry. I almost said too much. Please forget what I just said."

"It's fine, I'm not worried. I knew it wasn't serious."

"I'm relieved to hear that. Well, I have to go. I'll see you in the audience chamber later."

It seems the Second Knight Regiment has many eccentric members. ...Indeed, Ilria was quite unusual. But as a deputy commander, she must be capable.

"Hey, Yomi, is something wrong?"

"Ah... No, it's nothing."

"Okay, if that's the case."

Yomi might be nervous too. Luna, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be intimidated by high-ranking nobles or even princesses.

Could she be from a good family?

...No, that's unlikely. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been so cheap to buy, even if she was injured.

I don't know when Luna will open up to me, but I need to be ready to support her.

...To a reasonable extent.

"Still, with about an hour left, there's not much to do."

Hmm? I sense someone approaching. It's not a maid, and they are coming straight here.

The door opens again after a knock. Do they not wait for a response?

...Maybe not with commoners.

"Hey, my name is Riaud von Zelgius. I'm the Second Prince of this country. You're the boy who killed the Horn Chimera, right?"

"It's an honor to meet you. I am Aul. I was lucky to defeat that monster."

"Ahh, no need for such formal language. I'm not good at it either. ...Luck, huh. If luck alone could defeat a Rank S monster, we wouldn't need a knight regiment in this country."

"That's harsh. Then I'll take you up on that. But yes, I did defeat the Horn Chimera."

"Indeed... You seem quite strong. Also, your mana is off the charts. Hey, are you interested in joining my ranks? Would you like to do something great with me?"

He has ambition and the ability to assess people's capabilities. He is also very strong himself. He seems carefree, but he has no weaknesses. He is clearly well-trained. His mana is also exceptional. He might even have more than Luna.

I didn't know there were people like this besides us. I want to check his status, but it would be troublesome if I got caught, so I'll refrain.

"No, I come from a poor farming family in the borderlands. Court life doesn't suit me. Thank you for the offer, but..."

"I see... It's a shame, but I'll let it go for now. However, I have a feeling we'll meet again somewhere!"

With that, the prince left. He was a powerful and energetic person. He's in his early 20s, yet he exudes such talent and ambition. He would be a troublesome ally or enemy. I need to be careful.

After the prince left, another visitor arrived. This time, the person entered without knocking.

He looked like an orc, with a plump build that suggested a life of luxury.

"Hmph, you're the boy named Aul, right? Is it true that you defeated the Horn Chimera?"

Who is this high-handed fat man? He doesn't even introduce himself, which is not very noble-like... I really want to give him a piece of the Chancellor's wisdom.

However, I can't cause a commotion here...

...If there's a commotion here, it might affect the village.

"Yes, that's me."

"Is that so? Then you are Aul from Oren Village, correct?"

"Um, yes, but what's the matter?"

"No, it's just good to confirm. You might have heard from the Chancellor, but there will be a party tomorrow at the royal castle to celebrate the defeat of the stampede and the monsters in the capital. You and your companions will be treated as guests of honor and will stay at the castle. I have a few things to discuss, but..."

At this point, the maids informed us that it was time for the audience.

"Damn, it's already time. I'll visit your room tonight to talk. By the way, I am the Marquis of Listenia. Remember that."

The orc-like man is the Marquis of Listenia.

I doubt he has any good intentions.

Still, it's finally time for the audience. I'm a bit nervous.

"Okay, Luna, Yomi, let's go."

"Yes, Master."

We were led through the castle by an attendant. After a few minutes, we arrived at a particularly large door.

According to the attendant, this is the audience chamber.

The door opened, and we entered. As the Chancellor had instructed, we followed the red carpet and knelt at the end.

Luna and Yomi stood a step behind me.

As we walked to the audience chamber, I noticed a large number of nobles present.

It felt a bit strange to see so many nobles in the audience chamber, but maybe that's how it is.

I also saw the Margrave of Randolf.

"Raise your head."

I thought I was supposed to raise my head here, but apparently not.

"Very well, raise your head."

On the second command, I finally raised my head.

The king's face, which I saw for the first time, was full of dignity. I could almost feel the aura radiating from him.

This must be the dignity and charisma of a king. I could feel myself sweating slightly.

"What is your name?"

"I am Aul. The attendants behind me are Luna and Yomi."

They are technically slaves, but I consider them my companions. I felt "attendants" was the appropriate term to use with the king.

"Are you the one who defeated the Horn Chimera in the capital?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"I see. The delay in response was due to the mobilization of the knight regiment for the stampede. However, thanks to you, the situation was resolved. I am deeply grateful."

"It is an honor."

"I will reward you. Is there anything you want?"

"As the king wishes."

"Hmm, how old are you?"

"I am 10 years old this year."

"You are the same age as the third princess, Elizabeth. I see. To defeat a Horn Chimera at your age is hard to believe, but you are undoubtedly capable. Where are you from?"

"I am from Oren Village in the Margrave of Randolf's territory."

"You are indeed a commoner. Very well, I understand. Being a commoner, you must face financial difficulties. Your reward will be 1000 platinum coins."

"I am deeply honored!"

"Next, regarding those who distinguished themselves in the stampede, I have heard that their efforts minimized the damage. Each of you will receive 200 platinum coins as a reward. For the details, you can consult the Chancellor, Feeral."

With that, the king stood up and left the throne.

"Then, I will inform you of the details. Aul, please wait in the reception room."

The Chancellor will explain the future plans. I was led back to the reception room by a nearby knight.

To my surprise, it was Ilria.

I must have been quite nervous to not notice her.

"...So, Aul... you're rich now."

"Hehe, yes. I don't know what to do with so much money."

Indeed, I don't know when I'll have the chance to use so much money. Thanks to Lebrant, I already have a good income.

With this, I can buy souvenirs for everyone when I return to the village.

I'll buy a lot of food and drinks.

But what to do with the rest... Maybe I'll save it for future use.

When we arrived at the reception room, Ilria left. She seemed a bit reluctant to go, but she left happily after I gave her a small basket of cookies.

We drank tea in the reception room for about an hour before the Chancellor entered.

"I'm sorry for the delay. I had some business to attend to."

"No, I was able to relax. Was something the matter?"

"Ah, no, nothing important. I was just making some preparations. Your rooms are also ready."

"Thank you."

"Anyway, regarding the rewards, you received a total of 1400 platinum coins. It took some time to prepare, but I want you to be assured that the full amount is here."

The Chancellor had the knights bring the money. There were 14 bags, each containing 100 platinum coins. To think that such a reward is a small amount for the country... The royal family is truly formidable.

"Thank you."

"Next, regarding the detailed schedule for tomorrow..."

After that, I learned about the plans for the next day. Apparently, many famous adventurers who distinguished themselves in the stampede will be invited, and there will be a grand celebration.

...It would feel out of place if only we were invited.

It seems this is also an opportunity for nobles to scout capable adventurers, and we will undoubtedly be scouted.

I'm already feeling a bit anxious...

Ah, maybe the Marquis of Listenia, who visited before the audience, was a precursor to this. The Chancellor might know more about it.

"Chancellor, may I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Before the audience, the Marquis of Listenia, a plump man, visited. Who is he?"

"What? He did? ...To be honest, it's better not to get involved with the Marquis of Listenia."

"Why is that?"

"I'm still investigating, but it's a private matter. There are rumors that he is trying to overthrow the kingdom. You might not know, but besides the Duke of Adams and the Margrave of Feeral, there were other nobles trying to contact you. It was the Marquis of Listenia."

Seriously?! So, he was probably trying to recruit me.

"Um, actually, he said he would visit me later. Can something be done about it?"

"What? I understand. I'll take care of it. You can rest assured."

"Thank you for the trouble."

The Chancellor is really a good person. Maybe he would like some cookies?

"Oh, cookies! Thank you. I love your cookies. I'll enjoy them during my breaks."

With that, the Chancellor left.

Shortly after, a maid came to show us to our room.

...Why is there only one room?

Well, they are slaves, so it's not unusual, but...

And there's only one king-sized bed?!

"..."

They are both clearly shocked...

"Master, I, I'll do my best, even though I'm not very capable."

"Hehe, it's my first time in the royal castle, and it feels a bit strange."

No wayyyyyy?!

Luna is blushing and stuttering, and Yomi looks completely ready to go!

Yeah, my chastity is in danger. ...I have no choice. I'll go to bed early. The change in their speech is a clear sign of danger!

Dinner was quite luxurious. It was a royal feast, with dishes I've never seen even in a duke's household.

The bath was also impressive. I managed to stop the maids from helping me, as it would be troublesome if Luna and Yomi found out.

My body is warm, and I want to sleep soundly. I gave my first command to Yomi.

"Yomi, Luna, let's go to bed now! I'm quite tired. This is an order."

"Yes, Master..."

"How cruel, Master! Ugh..."

They haven't changed even in the royal castle... They are truly something else.

I'll update this bit by bit.

I would be grateful for any ratings or bookmarks.